What Do You Need to Purchase from Dispensaries in Illinois?

When you visit a dispensary, it's important to be prepared and know what to expect ahead of time. Always be sure to bring your state-issued identification proving you are of legal age to purchase. Accepted IDs include a driver’s license, a temporary visitor driver’s license, or any other ID issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. If you are visiting Illinois from another state, you’ll need a valid state-issued ID from your home state.

Can You Go to a Dispensary Without a Card in Illinois?

You are welcome to purchase cannabis from any recreational dispensary with a valid state-issued identification card, though your purchases will be limited to the terms of the legal possession thresholds. If you have a medical card, make sure to use at as your purchase limit is higher – 2.5 ounces every 14 days.

Can You Smoke in Public in Illinois?

No. Public consumption is not allowed in Illinois. Your consumption is limited to the privacy of your home if you own one or with the approval of your landlord/owner if you are a renter. The laws dictate that, otherwise, consumption must be done in private, out of the view of others. Unfortunately, this means you may not consume cannabis on your porch, in your open garage, or on the sidewalk near your home in Illinois. You may not consume cannabis in the presence of anyone who is under the age of 21.

If I Was Previously Charged with a Cannabis-related Offense, Can I Still Consume Cannabis Products?

Yes, you can. Any adult aged 21 or older is allowed to consume cannabis regardless of previous criminal charges. This is a shift in policy from previous laws that stated you could not. Another benefit of current Illinois law is that if you were previously convicted of a non-violent cannabis-related charge, you might even be eligible for expungement of that crime from your record as long as it was for possession under 30 grams, the new legal limit. If your previous crime fits those criteria, you can file a petition to have your record cleared.

Can You Grow Cannabis at Home?

Medical cannabis patients over the age of 21 are legally allowed to grow up to 5 cannabis plants at home with a cannabis license. To remain in compliance, your plants must remain secured and within an enclosed space, such as a spare room or closet, out of the view of the public or any minors. If you currently rent your home and wish to grow plants, you must obtain written permission from the owner or landlord. The law further states that any plants you grow are to be used strictly for personal consumption. You are not allowed to sell or distribute your homegrown cannabis. Recreational cannabis users cannot grow plants in Illinois.

What Are the Benefits of Legalizing Cannabis?

Although cannabis use has been stigmatized for a long time, recent studies indicate that increasing cannabis usage may lower the utilization of other harmful drugs. According to research, there exists a direct relationship between an increase in cannabis utilization and a decrease in opioid overdoses by about 25%. There are two possible explanations for this. First, people tend to depend on pain medication to manage their pain, which can lead to addiction and overdose. Medical cannabis can treat the same disorders with a lower addiction and no fatal overdose risk. Second, marijuana is showing promise as an aid in dealing with opioid use disorders.

Where Is it Legal to Possess Cannabis in Illinois?

Possession of the defined amounts of cannabis is legal anywhere in the state, provided local municipalities have not deemed cannabis illegal in local laws. When it comes to driving with cannabis, you may transport legal amounts of cannabis inside the vehicle, but like alcohol, it may not be accessible to any occupant of the vehicle, and you must also keep it in a childproof container. You are not allowed to transport cannabis across state lines, so visitors from other states should check their belongings before returning home.

Can I Gift Cannabis to Someone? Or Receive it as a Gift?

Individuals may not resell their personal stash of medical or recreational cannabis. However, you can “gift” up to 1.5 oz of recreational flower only (that means no concentrates, pre-made edibles, or any other forms of cannabis) as long as the recipient is 21 or over. You may also give homemade treats (think cannabis brownies) as long as they contain less than 1.5 oz of recreational cannabis flower.

What Should I Know If This Is My First Time Visiting a Dispensary?

If you are purchasing cannabis from a dispensary for the first time , you should take a few things into consideration: 1. Bring your ID - Many dispensaries will require you to show ID before you enter the building and certainly before you reach the sales floor. If you have a medical card, you must display it at this time. 2. Choose carefully - When at the dispensary, you will be able to choose from several types of cannabis products, including cured, dried flower, vaporizer cartridges filled with cannabis extracts, cannabis-infused edibles, tinctures, a variety of concentrates, and more. Learn about the different types of cannabis products in our education section before you go. 3. Ask an employee - If you need more information to determine which type of cannabis suits your cannabis goals, the staff is there to help. Cannabis Advisors at Zen Leaf receive thorough cannabis education to help you evaluate your needs and make wise decisions. 4. Bring cash or a debit card - Since federal laws are still contradictory to Illinois state laws, dispensaries cannot process credit card transactions for cannabis. Many have an ATM or a cashless ATM (which operates much like a debit card reader) on-site, but others only take cash. 5. Leave your items in the packaging until you get home - Cannabis must be stored in its original, closed container and away from the driver and passengers. Leave yours in the packaging and stow it in the glove compartment or trunk until you arrive home.

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What You Should Know About Cannabis in Illinois

What You Should Know About Cannabis in Illinois

By Danyal Swan May 4, 2023

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Danyal Swan

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Digital Content Manager for MÜV Florida and Zen Leaf Dispensaries. A cannabis connoisseur with a passion for explaining the miraculous possibility of the plant, Swan began her journey with cannabis as a recreational user and quickly realized its positive impact on her depression and severe anxiety. She joined the cannabis industry as Receptionist and MedTender and witnessed first-hand the immense potential of the plant for a wide variety of ailments, deepening her passion for alternative medicine. Swan is dedicated to self-education on the plant and sharing its potential with all. She holds a Journalism degree from the University of Iowa.